'Billy Summers' and 5 Other Stephen King Novels Being Adapted Right Now

Three new Stephen King adaptations are coming out very soon: The Long Walk, The Life of Chuck, and The Running Man. While these projects have a clear status and release date, the rest of the adaptations are still in development.

We've recalled six upcoming Stephen King movies and TV series that you might not have heard of yet.

1. 'Billy Summers'

J.J. Abrams, the producer of Castle Rock, Lisey's Story, and 11.22.63, continues to collaborate with Stephen King. Currently, he is developing an adaptation of the 2021 novel Billy Summers, which tells the story of a former Iraq War soldier who works as a hired killer.

When Billy Summers decides to retire, he becomes a problem for local mobsters capable of eliminating anyone.

In addition to Bad Robot, Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way studio is involved in developing the series, so it's possible that DiCaprio himself will consider the lead role.

2. 'The Institute'

The 2019 novel The Institute tells about a secret laboratory that conducts unauthorized experiments on children with supernatural abilities.

While The Institute is reminiscent of Stranger Things, it is ultimately a completely independent story. News about the development of the miniseries The Institute surfaced five years ago, but production did not begin until the summer of 2024.

Benjamin Cavell wrote The Institute, which stars Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker. The series is expected to premiere on MGM+ before the end of 2025.

3. 'Cujo'

Darren Aronofsky, director of Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan, is in talks to direct a new version of Cujo, Stephen King's novel about a St. Bernard infected with rabies.

The first film adaptation of the novel about the bloodthirsty dog was released in the early '80s and was directed by Lewis Teague. Netflix will produce and distribute the new adaptation, with Roy Lee serving as producer.

4. 'Carrie'

Mike Flanagan's future plans include a third adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel, Carrie. Brian De Palma's original film, starring Sissy Spacek, was released in 1976. In 2013, Kimberly Peirce directed another Carrie adaptation, starring Chloë Grace Moretz.

Little is known about the upcoming series, but it is known that Summer H. Howell (Curse of Chucky) and Millie Shapiro (Hereditary) were considered for the lead role.

5. 'The Dark Tower'

Development of the long-awaited series based on Stephen King's The Dark Tower is ongoing, with King himself overseeing it. Mike Flanagan will serve as showrunner.

However, due to his work on The Life of Chuck and Carrie, Flanagan does not yet have enough time for the story of gunslinger Roland Deschain.

Nevertheless, the script for The Dark Tower has already been written. King was present at the pitch and was very pleased. Initially, The Dark Tower was supposed to be released on Netflix, but now Amazon has the project.

6. 'Fairy Tale'

The novel Fairy Tale is a rare fantasy work by King. It tells the story of seventeen-year-old Charlie Reade, who inherits an old mansion. There's a hidden entrance to another world in its courtyard.

Published in 2022, the book immediately became a bestseller. A24 acquired the rights to adapt Fairy Tale. Paul Greengrass, the creator of three Bourne movies, is directing the series.

The cast has not yet been determined and the streaming service that will broadcast the ten-episode fantasy series remains unknown.